Admission to the park is free with the donation of one can of food per person to benefit a local food bank.

The event includes: a chili cook-off, live music with the Weeds of Eden, Water Ventures interactive display, a guided walk, children’s activities and environmental and art exhibits. Chili tasting kits will be on sale for $5 and all proceeds assist the Friends of O’Leno, Inc., a non-profit organization with their mission of supporting the park.

“The Springs Celebration is a great event for learning how our actions are connected to the health of our springs, even when we live tens of miles away from them,” said Stacie Greco with the Alachua County Environmental Protection Department. “When we use a lot of water and fertilizer on our farms and yards we may be harming the springs of the Santa Fe River.”